Burnley vs Middlesbrough: A Match of Two Halves

When two of the most in-form teams in the Championship go head-to-head, you can expect a close and exciting contest. And that's exactly what we got when Burnley hosted Middlesbrough at Turf Moor on Friday night.

Burnley started the match the brighter of the two sides and took the lead in the 20th minute through Ashley Barnes, which is a typical Burnley goal - hustle and bustle in the box and they manage to score. Their lead didn't last long, however, as Middlesbrough equalized just five minutes later through Chuba Akpom. Akpom has been in excellent form this season and he showed his class with a well-taken finish.

The second half was a much more even affair, with both sides having chances to win the game. Burnley had the better of the chances, but they couldn't find a way past Middlesbrough's resolute defense. In the end, the two teams had to settle for a point apiece.

The result leaves Burnley in second place in the Championship, while Middlesbrough are up to fifth. Both teams will be looking to build on their positive starts to the season and push for promotion to the Premier League.

Key Moments

• Burnley's goal: Ashley Barnes gave Burnley the lead in the 20th minute with a close-range finish from a corner.
• Middlesbrough's goal: Chuba Akpom equalized for Middlesbrough just five minutes later with a well-taken finish from the edge of the box.

Player of the Match

Chuba Akpom was the standout player for Middlesbrough. He led the line well and was always a threat to the Burnley defense. His goal was a moment of brilliance and he was unlucky not to score more.

This was a close and exciting match between two of the best teams in the Championship. Burnley started the brighter, but Middlesbrough came back strongly in the second half. In the end, the two teams had to settle for a point apiece. The result leaves Burnley in second place in the Championship, while Middlesbrough are up to fifth. Both teams will be looking to build on their positive starts to the season and push for promotion to the Premier League.